GLP-1 Drugs

GLP-1 is the abbreviation for glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone your body naturally makes. It has receptors all over the body, but especially in the gut and the brain.

When you eat a meal, your body’s natural GLP-1 tells your pancreas to release insulin and hold back on releasing glucagon—helping your body better process any sugars you’ve consumed.

In the meantime, other GLP-1 receptors in your gut slow down how quickly your stomach empties, making you feel full faster. And GLP-1 also binds to receptors in the parts of your brain in charge of feeling full and satisfied. The result is that you consume fewer calories, ultimately leading to sustained weight loss.

GLP-1 drugs are a class of medications called GLP-1 analogs. Technically, they’re called glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, but we like calling them “GLP-1s” for short.

They act like the natural hormone GLP-1, binding to its receptors in different parts of the body and causing the same effects—leading to sustained weight loss and improved response to blood glucose.

GLP-1 drugs are an exciting approach to weight loss, and are one part of how the Ro Body Program supports your weight loss goals.

Some GLP-1s, like Wegovy (semaglutide) injection, are specifically FDA-approved for weight loss. Others, like Ozempic (semaglutide) injection, are approved for the treatment of certain symptoms and risks of type 2 diabetes, but may be prescribed off-label for weight loss. Ro-affiliated healthcare professionals have the discretion to prescribe a medication off-label if they believe it is an appropriate course of treatment for a particular patient.

How can GLP-1s help with weight loss? They are like a natural hormone your body uses to regulate blood sugar and appetite—key steps in resetting your biological set point to help you maintain a new, lower weight.

See if GLP-1s are right for you here.

For most GLP-1s, dosing starts out low, then gradually increases over the first few months until a steady dose is reached. If prescribed, your Ro-affiliated provider will work with you to find the schedule and dosing that’s right for you.

GLP-1s come in a prefilled injection pen that makes it easy to take your prescribed dose. If prescribed, you (or someone in your household) will administer the injection under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or arm once a week.

While a routine injection may sound intimidating, the GLP-1 pens use a tiny needle designed to minimize discomfort. You’ll also receive clear instructions on using the injection pen, and your Ro-affiliated provider can offer additional advice.

How to get GLP-1s covered by insurance—it’s a very important question! Well, you can consider us your insurance concierge.

Our partners will work directly with your insurance provider to help with the process of determining coverage for your GLP-1 medication, which is paid for separately from the Body Program. Ro does not accept insurance for the Body Program, which is cash pay only. At this time, those with any form of government healthcare coverage (including programs such as Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE), whether primary or secondary, are not eligible for the Ro Body Program. These plans typically do not cover the type of medication the Ro Body Program may prescribe. Unfortunately, this means that those on Medicare or eligible for Medicare cannot join the Ro Body Program.

Because GLP-1s affect your digestion and blood sugar, combining them with other medications that do the same things may increase your risk of side effects. These include:

• Medications that lower blood sugar (blood glucose), such as insulin, metformin, and sulfonylureas.

• Medications that speed up or slow down your digestion, such as metoclopramide (Reglan), erythromycin, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, and others.

All medications carry a risk of potential side effects. Any side effects of GLP-1s are typically mild and often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. When they occur, it’s usually when doses are increased, then tend to improve once a steady dose is reached. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Upset stomach

• Stomach pains

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Heartburn

• Acid reflux

• Belching and gas

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Fatigue

More severe side effects are uncommon but possible. Serious side effects include:

• Thyroid cancer—The FDA has issued its most serious warning (called a BOXED WARNING) that GLP-1s may be associated with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma. So far, this side effect has primarily been seen in laboratory studies using rodents, so the risk to humans has not been determined.

• Pancreatitis

• Gallbladder disease

• Rapid heartbeat

• Severe allergy (hypersensitivity)

• Low blood sugar

• Vision problems (diabetic retinopathy)

• Kidney disease

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

GLP-1s aren’t for everyone. You shouldn’t take a GLP-1 if you have any of the following risk factors:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma

• History of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)

• Pregnant, possibly pregnant, or planning to get pregnant in the next 3 months; this applies to both men and women

• Breastfeeding

• History of hypersensitivity to semaglutide or other GLP-1 medications

• History of pancreatitis

• History of delayed gastric emptying or gastroparesis

• History of gallbladder disease or bile duct disease

• History of suicidal ideation or history of suicide attempts

• History of tachycardia or atrial fibrillation

• Type 1 diabetes

• History of impaired kidney function

• Diabetic retinopathy complications due to type 2 diabetes